Interactive drawing toy

ABSTRACT

The drawing toy includes a rigid transparent panel having first and second oppositely directed surfaces and drawing utensils. Each player has access to a different one of the surfaces such that the player can draw upon the surface with the drawing utensil. The panel is maintained in an upright position such that the players can draw on the respective surfaces while simultaneously observing both surfaces, and hence what each player has drawn, by looking at and through the panel. Grid or game outline carrying flexible plastic sheets can be removeably mounted on the panel such that the players can play a board game. Stick-on flexible plastic cells can be used for other art related activites.

[0001] The present invention relates to drawing toys and games, and more specifically to a toy with which two players can interact in an imaginative manner to create joint drawings, play board games or participate in art related activities.

[0002] Many types of drawing toys and games are known. Typically, they include an opaque surface, such as pad, blackboard or other medium upon which one person can draw or paint, or upon which two or more players can take turns drawing or painting.

[0003] However, there is no toy which provides a drawing panel with oppositely facing surfaces that permits two players to draw upon the respective surfaces, either alternatively or simultaneously, where both players can simultaneously observe both surfaces, and thus what both players have drawn, by looking at and through the panel. Hence, there is no toy or game that permits two players to interact to use their imagination to create a joint drawing, to play a game, or to participate in other art related activities on opposite sides of a drawing panel.

[0004] Children need to have as much close, enjoyable, personal interaction with each other as possible, especially with the amount of time spent these days with computers, game players and watching TV. Our invention allows children to share their ideas and develop creativity. It allows them to enhance, challenge and respect each other's skills. It allows them to make continuous eye and verbal contact.

[0005] Our invention also promotes social skills. It builds self-confidence and develops hand and eye coordination. Further, our invention accomplishes all this in a simple, low-tech, user friendly, affordable way.

[0006] In general, those objectives are achieved by the present invention through the use of a rigid panel made of transparent material that has oppositely directed drawing surfaces. The panel is retained in an upright position such that each of the surfaces faces a different player. Each player is provided with a drawing utensil. Each player has access to and can draw upon the surface facing him. At the same time, each player can simultaneously observe both surfaces, and thus what each of the players has drawn on the panel, by looking at and through the panel.

[0007] Flexible plastic stick-on sheets with grids or board outlines for playing various games, such as tic-tac-toe, checkers or the like, can be provided with the panel. By affixing a grid-carrying sheet on one side of the panel, a board game can be played by having each player in turn draw a mark on the side of the panel facing him.

[0008] For example, if the stick-on sheet has a tic-tac-toe grid, after the sheet is affixed to one side of the panel, the first player places an “X” on a selected box on the side of the panel facing him. The second player can observe where the “X” was placed by the first player by looking through the panel to see the surface facing the first player. The second player then places an “O” on the side of the panel facing him. The first player can observe the “O” drawn by the second player on the surface facing the second player by looking through the panel to the surface facing the second player. The players take turns marking the respective drawing surfaces in this fashion until the game is concluded. Other games, with stick-on sheets carrying other grids or board game outlines, are played in similar fashion.

[0009] Plastic stick-on cells can be used with the present invention as well. The cells may be entirely or partially opaque or may be transparent with imprinted indicia. For example, one player could draw a stick figure on one surface of the panel or place on one surface of the panel a transparent sheet with a stick figure permanently imprinted on it. Each player could be provided with a set of different color and/or shape cells, for example, several different color cells shaped like hats, several different color cells shaped like skirts, etc. The players then select the cells they like and alternately place them on the surfaces of the panel facing them, over the stick figure, to “dress” the figure as they wish.

[0010] Many other creative possibilities for joint drawing, two player board games or other art related activities will become evident to the players, as they use their imaginations to harness the play potential of the present invention.

[0011] It is, therefore, a prime object of the present invention to provide an interactive drawing toy that includes an upstanding transparent panel with oppositely directed drawing surfaces upon which two players can alternately or simultaneously draw, while simultaneously observing both surfaces and thus what each of the players has drawn on the panel.

[0012] It is another object to provide an interactive drawing toy which two players can use as a game board by applying a grid or board game outline carrying flexible plastic stick-on sheet to the panel.

[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide an interactive drawing toy which can be used with sets of different color and/or shape stick-on cells which can be affixed to the panel to provide a joint art related activity.

[0014] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an interactive drawing toy for two players is provided. The toy includes a rigid transparent panel having first and second oppositely directed surfaces. Drawing utensil means are provided. Each of the players has access to a different one of the surfaces such that the player can draw upon that surface with the drawing utensil means. Means are provided for maintaining the panel in a substantially upright position such that the players can draw on the respective surfaces while simultaneously observing both surfaces by looking at and through the panel.

[0015] Preferably, the panel is substantially planar. The panel may be rectangular, square or round in shape.

[0016] A flexible transparent plastic sheet may be removably mounted on one of the panel surfaces. The sheet carries a grid or board game outline printed thereon for playing a game. The grid or board game outline is visible to both of the players, when it is mounted on the panel surfaces. One or more plastic cells may also be removably mounted on one of the surfaces. The cells may have indicia permanently imprinted thereon.

[0017] Preferably, the panel is made of plexiglass or other shatter-proof glass. The drawing utensil means may consist of one or more dry erase markers.

[0018] The flexible sheet and the cells may be made of plastic, such as vinyl or mylar. Preferably, the cells have a predetermined shape.

[0019] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a drawing toy is provided including a rigid transparent panel having first and second oppositely directed drawing surfaces. Drawing utensil means for drawing on the drawing surfaces are provided. Means are provided for maintaining the panel in a substantially upright position.

[0020] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method for playing a two player game with an interactive drawing toy is provided. The toy is of the type having an upstanding transparent panel with first and second oppositely directed drawing surfaces. Drawing utensils are provided for the players. The panel is placed between the players such that each player faces and has access to a different one of the drawing surfaces. Each player draws on the surfaces facing him with a drawing utensil. Each of the players can simultaneously observe both surfaces, and thus what each player has drawn, by looking at and through the panel.

[0021] The players may draw on the surfaces alternately or simultaneously.

[0022] A flexible grid or board game outline carrying plastic sheet may be mounted on one of the drawing surfaces. This permits the players to play a two player board game.

[0023] Flexible plastic cells can be mounted on the surfaces. The cells permit the players to engage in a variety of art related activities.

[0024] To these and to such other objects which may hereinafter appear, the present invention relates to an interactive drawing toy, as set forth in detail in the following specification, recited in the annexed claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts and in which:

[0025]FIG. 1 is an isometric view schematically showing the drawing toy of the present invention as two players create a joint drawing on the panel.

[0026]FIG. 2 is an isometric view schematically showing the drawing toy panel with a grid carrying sheet mounted on one surface of the panel, as the players play a board game.

[0027]FIG. 3 is an isometric view schematically showing the drawing toy with stick-on cells on the panel, as the players participate in an art related activity.

[0028] As seen in the drawings, the interactive drawing toy of the present invention consists of a panel, generally designated A, a base, generally designated B, and one or more drawing utensils, generally designated C.

[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the toy is designed to be situated on a table or other flat surface 10 between two players. Each of the players has access to a different one of the surfaces 12, 14 of panel A.

[0030] Panel A is preferably made of rigid, transparent material such as plexiglass or other shatter proof glass and is approximately 0.25 inches thick. Panel A can be any shape such as rectangular, square, triangular or round. If rectangular, the outer dimensions can be within the range of from 4 inches by 8 inches to 7 inches by 10 inches. However, other sizes may be used as well.

[0031] Drawing surfaces 12, 14 are oppositely directed. Each drawing surface 12, 14 is substantially flat and smooth. Each of the drawing surfaces 12, 14, is positioned to face a different one of the players.

[0032] Panel A is maintained in a substantially upstanding position by base B. Base B can be integral with or separate from Panel B. If separate from panel A, base B can have any configuration as long as it securely engages the end of panel A and is heavy enough, and broad enough at the bottom, to provide a stable support for the panel.

[0033] In the embodiment illustrated, base B has a channel 16 into which the end of panel A is received. The base illustrated includes a relatively large rectangular lower portion 18 and a pair of blocks 20, 22 mounted on the top surface of portion 18 in spaced relation so as to define channel 16. When one end of panel A is received within channel 16, the panel is securely supported in an upright position by base B. Rubber feet (not shown) may be affixed on the bottom surface of portion 18 of base B to prevent movement of the base relative to the supporting surface 10.

[0034] Drawing utensils C preferably consist of conventional odorless, non-toxic write/erase dry markers in a variety of colors, of the type commonly available at toy, stationery and department stores. Preferably, each player is provided with a set of markers.

[0035] Each player is also provided with a piece of paper or cloth suitable for erasing the marker ink from the panel surfaces. Moistening the paper or cloth may enhance the ability of the paper or cloth to clean the drawing surfaces.

[0036] In the simplest form of use of the drawing toy of the present invention, two players sit opposite each other, with the upstanding panel A situated between them. In that position, each player faces, and has access to, a different one of the drawing surfaces 12, 14. Each player is provided with a set of markers C.

[0037] Each player selects a marker C. Each player draws on the panel surface 12, 14 facing him with the selected marker. The players may draw on surfaces 12, 14 alternately or simultaneously to combine their efforts to create a single joint drawing.

[0038] Each player can simultaneously observe both drawing surfaces 12, 14, and thus what he has drawn and what the other player has drawn by looking at his drawing surface, and through the transparent panel, at the drawing surface of the other player.

[0039] When the players complete the joint work, the drawing surfaces of the panel are erased. The players may then embark up on another joint creation.

[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the drawing toy of the present invention may also be used to play a two-player board game such as tic-tac-toe, checkers, chess or the like. This requires a grid, such as a tic-tac-toe grid, a checker board outline, or similar background.

[0041] It is possible for one of the players to simply draw the grid or board game outline on one side of the panel and for the players to commence play. For example, a tic-tac-toe grid can be drawn on the panel. One player draws a mark, such as an “X” on the panel surface facing him in the place desired. The other then draws an “O” on the panel surface facing that player in the place desired, etc.

[0042] However, a plurality of flexible transparent vinyl or mylar sheets, such as the illustrated tic-tac-toe grid sheet 24, each with a different permanently printed grid or game board outline, can be provided to eliminate the necessity of drawing the grid or board game outline on the panel. These sheets can adhere to the panel surface by friction, electrostatic attraction or other means. They are easily applied to the panel and removed from the panel when the game is completed.

[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a plurality of flexible stick-on plastic cells 26 are provided. Cells 26 could be used with the panel, either with or without a grid sheet 24. Like sheets 24, cells 26 can be made of vinyl or mylar and like sheets 24, adhere to the panel by friction, electrostatic attraction or other means. Cells 26 can be opaque or transparent, and can be of any shape, size or color, with or without permanently printed line art or other indicia, depicting an object such as an animal, cartoon figure, fruit, tree, flower, face, facial component, article of clothing, or the like.

[0044] A variety of activities can be engaged in using cells 26. For example, one player could draw an outline of a human body (or mount a sheet 24 with such an outline) on one panel surface. The players can then select cells 26 shaped as clothing articles, such as a shirt, illustrated as cell 26 a, or pants, illustrated as cell 26 b. Taking turns, the players apply the cells to the opposite surfaces of the panel, jointly dressing the body. A similar activity could involve placing fruit on a tree, animals on a zoo background or facial features on the outline of a face. After the cells are affixed, the players could color the cells. The players could also use the cells 26 as templates to draw the outline of the object whose shape is defined by the edge of the cell and then color the interior of that outline on the panel surface, after the cell is removed from the panel.

[0045] Cells 26 could be used in playing board games as well. The grid or board outline could be drawn on one drawing surface or mounted using a sheet 24. Cells 26 in the form of checkers or chess pieces then could be provided to each player, applied to the panel surfaces and moved in accordance with the rules of the game.

[0046] It will now be appreciated that the present invention relates to a drawing toy for use by two players that permits the players to interact with each other to create a joint drawing, play a board game or engage in other art related activities. This is accomplished through the use of a rigid transparent panel with oppositely directed drawing surfaces retained in an upright position by a base.

[0047] Each player can simultaneously observe both drawing surfaces and thus what each player has drawn. The players can draw on the surfaces alternately or simultaneously to create joint works. Mountable grid carrying transparent sheets and/or different shape and/or color stick-on cells enhance the play value of the toy by permitting the players to play board games or engage in other art related activities using the panel.

[0048] While only a limited number of preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for purposes of illustration, it is obvious that many variations and modifications could be made thereto. It is intended to cover all of those variations and modifications that fall within the scope of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims: 

We claim:
 1. A drawing toy for two players comprising a rigid transparent panel having first and second oppositely directed surfaces and drawing utensil means, each of the players having access to a different one of said surfaces such that the player can draw upon said surface with said drawing utensil means and means for maintaining said panel in a substantially upright position such that the players can draw on said respective surfaces while simultaneously observing both surfaces by looking at and through said panel.
 2. The toy of claim 1 wherein said panel is substantially planar.
 3. The toy of claim 1 further comprising a flexible sheet adapted to be removably mounted on one of said surfaces.
 4. The toy of claim 3, wherein said sheet comprises a grid or outline for playing a game, said grid or outline being visible to both of said players when said sheet is mounted on said one of said surfaces.
 5. The toy of claim 1 further comprising a flexible cell adapted to be removably mounted on one of said surfaces.
 6. The toy of claim 5 wherein said cell depicts an object.
 7. The toy of claim 1 wherein said base is plexiglass.
 8. The toy of claim 1 wherein said drawing utensil means comprises a marker.
 9. The toy of claim 1 wherein said drawing utensil means comprises first and second markers.
 10. The toy of claim 3 wherein said sheet is made of plastic.
 11. The toy of claim 5 wherein said cell is made of plastic.
 12. The toy of claim 6 wherein said cell has the shape of the object.
 13. A drawing toy comprising a rigid transparent panel having first and second oppositely directed drawing surfaces, drawing utensil means for drawing on said drawing surfaces and means for maintaining said panel in a substantially upright position.
 14. The toy of claim 13 further comprising a flexible sheet adapted to be removably mounted on one of said surfaces.
 15. The toy of claim 13 further comprising a flexible cell adapted to be removably mounted on one of said surfaces.
 16. A method for playing a two player game with an interactive drawing toy of the type having an upstanding transparent panel with first and second oppositely directed drawing surfaces and drawing utensils, the method comprising the steps of: placing the panel between the players such that each player faces and has access to a different one of the drawing surfaces; the players drawing on the respective surfaces with a drawing utensil; each of the players simultaneously observing both surfaces, by looking at and through the panel.
 17. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of removeably mounting a flexible plastic sheet with a grid or game outline on one of the drawing surfaces.
 18. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of removeably mounting a flexible plastic cell on one of the surfaces.
 19. The method of claim 16 wherein the players draw on the surfaces alternately.
 20. The method of claim 16 wherein the players draw on the surfaces simultaneously. 